Hunting Dogs

Hunting dogs are sure the most effective possible ally of the hunter, as they sniffle and scavenge for prey in the deepest and gloomiest brush of the forest. In that respect you should explore various possibilities for a hunting dog type that you can take on your next hunting trip.

The type of dog you are going to choose for your hunting should be directly associated with the type of hunting you are projecting. If you are being after fur-bearing animals, for example, you would be more satisfied with a hound dog than you would be with a terrier.

Regardless of what dog you prefer to take with you on hunting trip, we are certain that you will have a new friend by the end of your hunting journey. Make sure that you select the right type of hunting dog before your trip, so you can enjoy the best possible hunting season.

The hounds are the most common category of hunting dogs. They are in reality divided into two classes or sub-categorizes: the sight hound and the scent hound. As their names imply, each sub-category of dog type refers to a certain skill that the dog tends to be more skillful in.

Sight hounds, such like the Whippet, are adapted to hunting because of their high visual acumen. They apply a technique that is recognized as coursing, referring to the notion of spotting the prey from a farseeing and following it in a immediate pursuit.

Scent hounds, similar to the Coonhound, work by scent rather than sight. They incline to pick up on a tracing of the prey from the ground and pursue that scent, hopefully to the target. Scent hounds frequently work in packs and are considered as owning some of the most sensible noses of all other dog types.

The next popular group of dogs used for hunting are the Gun dogs. Gun dogs are used largely by short range hunters using shotguns. Their names are reflecting the particular skill they have to offer to the hunter. There are three popular sub-categories of gun dogs:

1. The Flushing Spaniels,

2. The Pointers and

3. The Retrievers.

The Flushing Spaniels, such as the English Cocker spaniel, are utilized to locate and spring the prey for the hunter. They are aimed to stay close to the huntsman, assuring an easy hunting.

The Pointers, such as an English Setter, tend to “point out” the prey by pointing at upland birds or other upland animals being hunted. They also some of the times help to flush the prey out from their hiding spot.

The Retrievers, at one time known as Water Spaniels, are great dogs for finding and capturing shot or killed game for the hunter. For example, if the huntsman kills a bird, the retriever heads over to pick it up and brings it back to the hunter.

Another popular type of hunting dogs are the terriers. They are used to hunt mammals, for the most part. Terriers, such as the Lakeland Terrier, are used to locate the actual hideout of the animal and spring or capture the animal. Some terriers are bred to kill the animal at the animal's den. A large number of terriers are used to hunt what are known as “pest species”. The pest species refer to groundhogs, hunted by the Jack Russel Terriers, or the badger or fox, hunted by the Fell Terrier. The rules, regulations and legality of some of these huntings are in question, so you should check with your local authorities before you arrange your hunting trip.

Regardless of their type and special skills they may have, hunting dogs are still very popular option for hunting. Whether you select a sighthound, scenthound, gun dog or terrier, you can be confident that your fellow hound will be working very hard for you at discovering your prey. Using a hunting dog can not only provide great companionship, but it can bring prey right to your footstep and literally take the hunt out of hunting. They not only make a vigorous hunting companion, they also make excellent domestic animals.

Related Links:

Hunting Dogs - Puppy Selection Part 1

Hunting Dogs - Puppy Selection Part 2

10 Pitfalls in Retriever Training, Part 1

10 Pitfalls in Retriever Training, Part 2

Retriever Puppy Training - What Not to Do

Story: How I Killed a Bear

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Hunting Guide

Sports & Outdoors